The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1887-07-16
RUBBER.

] Father and mother had gone away from
home for week, leaving Madge aud me
all alone in the great house with the ser.
wants. 5sg " SM&iol'.
We had company until late one even.
Ing. It was II when the last guest depart.
ed. Msdgo was In the library looking for
a book when I heard a atealthy step on
the side porch. I few to the door as It
flashed upon me that 1t was unlocked.
had hardly got 1t fastened when I heard
the knob turn softly. I ran to faaten the
hall door, and as did go some one came
running over the porch and up the steps
OF the piazza. The door was wide open,
Now distinctly remember closing It alter
bidding my friends goodnight. My hands
shook so that I could scarcely turn the
key. Every moment to me seemed IN
hour. Stealing softly into the parlor /
parted the curtains and looked out. = 5F
It was bright moonlight evening and
there, crouched In the corner Of the
piazza, right by the door, could plainly
SEQ man evidently expecting to see
some one come to the door. 2i'af. 49,
l glanced into the library. Mades was
humm,ng a song and looking 30 happy
had not tho heart to disturb her, but went
quietly down to the kitchen alone, heat
on arousing Watch 10 the emergencies Of
the occasion. I mover knew before that
the house had 80 many doors and 60 many
dark nooks. at every one expected
that wretch to step out and seize me. I
Was sure some one Was closo behind me
gazing down stairs. My heart leapcd into
my mouth but no, 1t was only the rust.
ling Of my dress. Watch was always my
mos! obedient servant, and he seemed to
understand what was wanted OF him. The
moment l opened the door out he darted
with such q savage growl that was half
afraid Of him myself. A series OF yelps,
then a scream and an Doth told me that
Watch had found his game. could hear
them rushing through the shrubbsry.
Presently there was great noise, more
oaths, and l knew that the man had fal.
len over the wall in the back yard, which
raised it several feet from the gardsn.
Frightened as I was, I could not help
laughing. knew Watch would be faith
ful, so ! no longer feared the outsider.
My chief desire now was to reach my
room, that had strong lock. s
What on earth is the matter?" asked
Madge. .i45l ia
With laugh I babe hor wait until we
were in our room before she made me tell
a long story. /,
The door was open, and as I reached the
head OF the stairs the moonlight showed
me distinctly in the large mirror the re-.
Election Of a man hurriedly secreting him.
self in the wardrobe. ..s .rts ~ ~
frightened nearly to death, I stood a
moment undecided what to do. There
wasn't room in the house where we
would be safe. I thought OF the three re-
yolyers hidden in the bureau. and decided
to "beard the lion in bis dem" lfIa;
It happened that Madge and myself
were expert in the use of tho tdesf and
dumb alphabet; it had served US many
good turn, and I resolved it should now.
nadge was in an unusual talkatiye
mood-talsed incessantly as she unfaeten.
ed her long hair. I never eaw her look
more lovely. I managed to attract her at.
tention, while With my fingers said rap
idly: .t,z5 4;
MAN in wardrobe. Saw him. Keep
quiet. Three revolvers in the bureau.
Guess wo can take care Of him.
Every particle OF color left her face, but
her voice did not tremble rs she contin-
ued the conversation, talking brightly,
just as che always did. 1851 SO ,I 1870.
All the time l was racking my brain
Tor plan whereby we might escape the
danger. Finslly settled upon this: At
3 o'clock the stage passed along with pas.
seugers from M for the early train.
We must manage until then and get as
sistance from the stage. -5.i IS;
Only IL o'clock ! <, .il ! .is "a.
" aball be gray ss a rat II this monot-
ony continues much longerI" telegraphed
Madge. 515.15 4 u - Il;
AS for me, I had perverso desire to 90
TO sleep. Madge commenced reading
aloud. I yawred so omiuously that,
flowniug savsgely upon me, she tossed
the book scross the room. ~ 4, q
Minute after minute passed, with no
aien Of life within the wardrobe. One
o'clork.5 b: + - v 5...
Out stepped our man with q gallant
bow. 7:s 81 4 :.t1s s5 \,
Excuse me, lsdieo; but your wardrobe
ia uncomfortable, and us you seem deter
mined to cit up all night could not afford
10 wait longer" -,.i1 81,
Madge walked I to the door, locked 1t,
and pocketed the key. There was an in
stantaneous display Of fire arms. u =
you see that We are prepared for you"
said, coolly. IS. T.. IS.
He turned pale, and, being himself IN.
armed, was for moment completely non
pluseed. II; Il 3.,5. 3. q 5. v
don't think ho had much faith in our
ability to use our weapons, for be did not
hesitate TO run at Madge with chair, evi.
IDENTIFY intending to make our numbers
one less. By this time my nerves were
completely steady, and I gave him gen.
tic ".remindet"sin the arm, 50 tina! he was
in measure helpless. Z,
Hall after 2. s5lSs, j:ss3 XXX
MRdge looked at me, unfastened the
door, and disappeared. y. i4.;5 , 5:tiI5
could not ksep Btill. Ny nervous
promenade up and down the room attract.
ed the mans attention. He laughed
taunlingly, and complacently informed
me that 1t was his .'opinion I'd give out
pretty soon." ,t,,i3'
Away of | caught tho rumble OF the
stage. .,7ae / $50
Nearer and nearer it came. Soon
could hear voiccs in tho yard. A short
delay, and the door opened noisoleealy,
admitting hall dozen men. Il 4
I hnve a faint remembrance Of being
led from tho room-of hearing Madge and
myaelt landed to the skies for our bravery
Then there WAS blank. e 5, Is
When I became conscious Msdge and a
stranger were with me. remembered
having seen him directing the arrange
ments which were made for the disposal
Of the prisoner. n 4: a g. B n ~
Proud Madge, who had naughty con,